Practicing mindfulness in our daily lives is an easily learned set of skills, can be done in some form anywhere you may be, and is a natural, self empowering stress buster. People in every walk and stage of life can benefit. It has been done in different ways by different cultures around our world.
I read so many times people here at Life with Lupus post that they feel stressed, overwhelmed, like everything is hitting them all at once. Not dealing with the stress creates such a vicious cycle, and is enough to set us up for a flare. For me, practicing mindfulness is helpful day to day, though I must admit I will slip often and have to regain some inner peace.
The definition of mindfulness, as taught to me, is to be present fully in each moment, being aware of what is going on within yourself, but also around you, and finding calmness, strength, and peace. It involves how we behave, how we react, how we cope, and influences how well we live. An often used quote that puts it in a very understandable way is “stop and smell the roses”.
One of the most well known practices to help us live with mindfulness is meditation. I find the beginner form, of breath awareness, the most useful to me. Twenty minutes with some peaceful music, and letting my breath flow naturally in, and back out, is a huge stress buster. Other people can spend an hour staring at a candle flame, or concentrating and repeating one key word or phrase.
There are many other ways to practice mindfulness. I will write them up and share as I'm able to. If anyone has mindfulness practices to share, please do. Your input is important and valued.
much love
Louise
If anyone has mindfulness practices to share, please do. Your input is important and valued.